Today, NRA-backed Senate Bill 301 passed in the Georgia Senate by a 48-5 vote. This legislation now goes to the state House of Representatives for its consideration.

SB 301 would allow Georgians to use lawfully-possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for hunting. In order to acquire a suppressor/silencer, a purchaser must submit the appropriate paperwork to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives where long wait times are common (four to six months), undergo a background check by the FBI, find a licensed dealer authorized to conduct the transaction and pay a one-time $200 tax for each device.

While suppressors/silencers do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report of a firearm much in the same way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a car or truck. There are many benefits associated with suppressor/silencer use: (1) increases accuracy, (2) makes shooting more enjoyable by lessening felt recoil and reducing muzzle blast, (3) protects shooters’ hearing and (4) helps reduce noise pollution.

Noise complaints are causing closures of shooting ranges, informal shooting areas and hunting lands throughout the country. Increased use of suppressors on shooting ranges and hunting lands will decrease these complaints.

Please continue to check www.NRAILA.org for more updates on this important issue.